Control circuit for automatic nailing machines



Sept 7, 1954 L.. R. BREEsE Er AL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AUTOMATIC NAILING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June l2, 1952 Arms..Y

L. R. BREESE ET AL sept. 7, 1954 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AUTOMATIC NAILING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 12, 1952 ATT YS.

Sept. 7, 1954 L. R. BREEsE Er AL 2,688,438

CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AUTOMATIC NAILING MACHINES Filed June l2, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 LEMUEL R. BREESE BEN A. HARRIS m @E EN.

Sept. 7, 1954 L. R. BRI-:ESE Er AL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AUTOMATIC NAILING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June l2, 1952 Bow) Patented Sept. 7, 1954 CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AUTOMATIC NAILING MACHINES Lemuel R. Breese and Ben A. Harris, Galion, Ohio, assignors to The North Electric Manufacturing Company, Galion, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 12, 1952, Serial No. 293,227

26 Claims.

l associated control board.

The packaging of various types of materials in a rapid, economical and practical manner is a problem which has heretofore offered an especial challenge to manufacturers in all elds of indus try, and there has been developed, as a result of this challenge, a number of extremely complex and expensive automatic packaging units. There has been developed for use in the packaging of heavier materials, for example, various types of automatic equipment which are adapted to assemble wooden containers or crates in a series of manually initiated and supervised operations. In such equipment, the material to be assembled into box form is fed to the machine in a given sequence, and the machine is operative to automatically select and drive the nails into the material in each of a series of predetermined patterns, whereby in each cycle of the machine the entire assembly of a desired container is effected. It is, of course, apparent that in the assembly of a container the several patterns in a cycle will probably be of different configurations. Further in the use of the equipment for manufacturing different types of containers, the individual patterns and the number of operations in a cycle will vary with the nature of the container. Ac-

cordingly, a machine of this type must be extremely iiexible in its adaptability and must lend itself to ready adjustment, whereby in a changeover to accommodate these variations in patterns and cycles the adjustments may be quickly and expeditiously accomplished.

Although various types of automatic nailing machinery have been `provided heretofore which are operative to effect the fabrication of a container in this manner, the equipment has been generally such that the utility, adaptability and exibility thereof has been inherently limited, and, in fact, has been of such a limited nature as to render the variations of cycles and of patterns extremely cumbersome. One of the better known forms of equipment, for example, includes a selective mechanism comprising a series of drums or discs which are secured by screws to a controlling shaft, and a number of screws or projections are removably secured thereto in given combinations to control the delivery of the nails in the desired pattern in each of the machine operations. Thus, in the changing of the patterns for the operation and in the adjusting of the number of cycles of the machine, one lug or projection had to be removed, replaced and redistributed for each change to be made. It is immediately apparent that whenever a changeover of even the slightest moment is to be made, the machine must be shut down for a comparatively long period. Such equipment therefore is extremely impractical and inecient in the eld. Further, the equipment is somewhat limited in its flexibility.

Another form of control system which has been utilized in the field heretofore comprises an electrical-mechanical arrangement in which a series of discs or wafers having a number of projections on the periphery thereof are arranged in parallel fashion on a common rotating shaft, and the operated'or nonoperated condition of an associated control switch determined whether a particular projection on the periphery of a wafer operated a nail selective solenoid. While such arrangement was a denite improvement over the more complicated and cumbersome mechanical arrangement used prior thereto, the high speeds and heavy current values inherent in the equipment caused serious overheating and mechanical wear which resulted in rapid and accelerated breakdown of the units, the life of these units being frequently in the order of less than six or eight months.

It is a particular object of this invention, therefore, to provide a control system which permits the ready adjustment of a nailing machine of this general type, whereby the number of operations in a cycle and the pattern of each operation in the cycle may be rapidly and expeditiously accomplished.

According to a particular feature of the invention, the problem of providing a convenient arrangement for setting up the patterns for a number of operations, each of which patterns may be dilterent, is solved by the provision of an all-relay control system which is adapted to be controlled by the registration of the desired patterns on the associated switches of a control board, and in which the number of operations in the cycle is determined by the operation of corresponding sequence switches located thereon.

A feature of this invention is the manner in which the adjustment of the respective patterns in a cycle and the number of operations in a cycle is accomplished by merely operating switch members on a given control board. A further feature of the invention is the comparatively inexpensive manner in which such type control is provided, and the reliable and dependable nature of the controls which are utilized in the provision of this more flexible type control system.

As will become apparent hereinafter, the desirable operating characteristics normally inherent in an all-relay system are also included in the disclosed control arrangement, such characteristics including minimum mechanical wear, the inherent ability to carry high current values without overheating, the ability to operate at high speeds without mechanical deterioration, and quiet, dependable type operation.

These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent now with reference to the following specication, claims and drawings, in which:

Figure l is a schematic diagram setting forth the novel control system in block form and its manner of cooperation with the various elements of a known type :of vnailing machine;

Figures 2 and 3 disclose a schematic circuitI Vdiagram ofthe control system of the invention;

vFigure i is a perspective sketch of the control .board for housingthe novel control system and its manner of cooperation with the equipment of the conventional type nailing'machine; and

Figure 5 v illustrates one specific manner of eiecting selectionofa nail from the shaker pan and delivery thereof to the appropriate tube by la solenoid member.

In the drawings the relays are shown in a deenergized condition with their armatures restored. With energization of a relay the associated armatures thereon (as indicated by the dotted lines) are moved toward the winding of ,the relay. With deenergization of the relay the 4associated armatures return to the position illustrated. The positive side of the line is connected to ground in this disclosure.

.The limit switches :in the drawings are shown in their normal positions, i. e., the position assumedwhen the driving head is at rest.

General description The novel control system of the invention is extremely ilexible in use, and is adapted for operation with any of the well known types of nailing machines, its manner of use with one particular type of machine being illustrated in schematic and perspective form in Figures l, 2 and-4. As shown in Figure l, the nailing machine Il) basically comprises a series of three hopper vor nail holder yboxes Il, each of which Vmay have eight-slotted nail chutes I'la (Figure 4) `2l in a given pattern'for each operation of the machine, the patterns desired for each operation being determined by the conngurations registered on nail switches fil-A24, BI-Bt etc., `on the control board.

A support bed 28 on the nailing machine provides suitable means for positioning the material to be nailed in leaclfroperation, the actual nailing of the -material being elected with the oper- .af-ter, the illustrated machine is capable of selecting,` feeding and driving up to 24 nails in any given operation, and is adjustable to provide 10 successive operations in any one cycle. The control board also mounts a series of pilot lamps SSI-36D which are operative to indicate to the attendant at all times the particular configuration of nails which is set up in the chucks, the pilot lamp for a group being illuminated as the nails are delivered to .the chuck members in the particular pattern represented thereby.

General :operation The general purpose of the novelnailingmachine control systemv set forth hereat is to eiect the selection of nails according to the ,pattern registered oncontrol board lfor each of a series of nailing operations,.and to selectlthesepa'tterns in the proper sequence and number as determined by the particular cycle which is registered on the. control board IG. The manner in which the general operation of the Vnailing machine .equipment is .accomplished by the control equipment is briefly-set. forth hereat.

The particular pattern to be provided in any given operation, and the numberf operations yto be effected in anygiven cycle aredetermined by theswitch settings which are made on. "the control board It priorto energizationof equipment. More-specifically, control' board" I6 comprises 9 on-off switches"2'l'l-29, inclusive, each of which is alternatively operative to an on ory an off. position, and the number of operations to be effected in each` cycle of the equipment is determined by the number of sequence switchesZIQ-ZQD which areoperate'd to the on position. Assuming four operations are required to eect the'fabricationvof agivenbox, the first three sequence switchesZlO-ZSU will be moved to the on position, and the remaining six sequence switches.'24U-290 will be moved t0 the ofi position. ',Similarly, 'ifthree operations are to `be effected in each cycle, the first two sequence switchesZ'lU, 220 are moved to the"on position, and the remaining seven sequence switches'23-290 are moved tothe 01T position, etc.

The particular pattern of the nails to be fedin each of the operations of a cycle whichy isY now registered by the sequence switches, is in turn Ldetermined by the adjustment ofeach of a plurality of groups'of nail' switches, Al-A24,"BI B24, Ci-C24,vetc., 'which are locatedzon'the control board i6, the boardspecirlcallylocating ten separate rows of nail switches A-J inclusive,

each row having twenty-four switchesea'ch. -In

4on position yto cause ainail selecting-'solenoid associated'w'itlr the vcorresponding chuck lon the machine to-feeda "nail `into1the chuck -asi the ,group is rendered effective.

Therefore, in the setting up of a nail configuration to be delivered ,for vthe first operation, the nail switches corresponding to the particular chucks in lwhich nails are desired in the first nailing operation are moved to the on position. For example, if the pattern is to include nails in chucks 2 and |8 in the rst operation, the nail switches A2 and AIS `in the first row on the control board will be moved to the on position. A similar operation of the switch members for each of the groups to be rendered effective in a given cycle is made upon the control board prior to the energization of the equipment.

Further adjustment of the pattern may be effected by movement of the chucks relative to each other on the machine, the chucks being laterally displaceable in the conventional manner.

As will be seen hereinafter, the control system is effective to deliver the nails to the tubes 2| for a succeeding operation during the period that the driving head is in the act of driving home the nails in the chucks which were selected for the previous operation. Accordingly, if the equipment has been used previously in the assembly of containers in which a different configuration of nails was provided, the nails now in the chucks will be of the wrong configuration, and it is first necessary to ush these nails fromthe chucks. With reference to Figures 1 and 4, such operation is basically achieved by operation of the main power switches 34801 34819, and 348e, to the on position and the movement of the treadle switch II by the attendant to operate treadle switch contacts 3|4 which control the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control solenoid 3I'I.

As the driving head control solenoid 3|'I operates, it controls the hydraulic control unit |2 to operate the common driving head i3 in a downward movement whereby the individual driving rods I4 descend to drive the nails of the previous operation from the chucks 2|. Inasmuch as there has been no material positioned on the bed 28, the nails will fall harmlessly out of the chucks and no nailing operation will be effected.

As the driving head I3 descends it is also effective to operate the top limit switch 3|@ which in turn opens the circuit through the treadle switch contacts and operates the auxiliary counting chain control relay 305 to initiate operation of the all-relay control circuit I5. Counting chain relay III) in the all-relay control circuit I5 operates and causes energization of the particular solenoids I9 which correspond to the operated ones of the nail switches Al-A24 on the control board I6, whereby nails are dropped into the tubes corresponding to the particular switches AI--A24 which are in the operated position.

As the driving head I3 approaches the bottom limit of its downward movement, it effects operation of the bottom limit switch 3|5 which effects release of solenoid control switch 320 ,and the driving head control solenoid 3 I whereby the hydraulic control system' I2 is operated to move the driving head I3 in" an upward stroke. As the driving head ascends, the nails now in the tubes 2@ are loaded into the chucks 2|, whereby the head is now loaded to effect the rst nailing operation registered on the control board I6. As the common driving head I3 approaches the upward limit of its upward stroke, the top limit switch 3 I0 is reoperated releasing relay 305 and relay lll@ in the control circuit I5 operates to complete an energizing circuit for the pilot lamp 35| which is associated with the first group of nail switches. The illuminated lamp 35| indicates to the attendant that the machine is now ready to effect the first nailing operation of the particular cycle set up on the control board I6.

The attendant now positions his material on the machine bed 28 and operates the treadle, whereby the driving head is operated as vdescribed to drive home the nails in the chucks in accordance with the pattern set up on the rst group of nail switches A|A24 on the control board It. As the driving head descends the second group of nail switches Bl--B24v are rendered effective, and the nail selectingsolenoids are operated to deliver the nails to the nail tubes 25 in accordance with the pattern set up on the second group of nail switches BI-B24 on the control board I6. As the driving head ascends following the driving home of the rst pattern of nails, the second pattern of nails now in thetubes is moved to the nailing chucks 2|, and the pilot lamp 352 is illuminated to indicate to the attendant that the equipment is now ready for the second nailing operation.

The fabrication of the box is continued in this manner, the attendant feeding the material, to the bed 28 as it is to be nailed in a sequence which corresponds to the particular nailing operations which have been registered on the control board I6. When the sequence of operations registered on the board has been completed, the equipment automatically recycles and prepares the nailing machine for the first operation of the registered cycle.

The selection of a nail by the nail selecting solenoids may be effected in any conventional manner, one particular method comprising the use of an arrangement as shown in the patent to Harriett No. 2,197,363, which issued April 16, 1940. A specific nail selecting arrangement which lends itself to ready modification is shown in Figure 12 of the drawing for said patent, the modification comprising the substitution of nail solenoids I9 for the units 28, 20, 30a and' 3|. That is, the solenoids I9 of this disclosure may be of the plunger type, and such plunger may be mounted at right angles to bar 5I in the patent whereby with energization of the solenoid and the inward movement of the plunger, bar 5| is operated to the left to effect the deposit of a nail into the chute.

Another manner of effecting nail selection is shown in Figure 5 of the drawings of this disclosure in which rotary solenoids are used to operate nail picking cam members 25, these cams having a detent 25 which normally engages the rst nail in the channel. As the solenoid is energized the cam picks off the first nail in the chute of box I1 and moves same into the nail tube 20. During rotation, the enlarged periphery portions of the cam prevent the introduction of further nails into the chute. Other known conventional nail selecting apparatus may be utilized with the novel control apparatus of this invention.

A particular feature of the invention is the manner in which the control panel may be deenergized by the movement of the energizing switches 3480i, 348i) and 348e to the off position whereby the relay equipment of the arrangement is deenergized and a new cycle may be initiated. Such arrangement is of particular utility when a bent or crooked nail enters a chuck and a particular operation of the cycle is rendered ineffective by reason thereof. With thezoccurrence ofsuch anueventin. machines.' of the type knownheretoforc, it has beenzneces.- saryftov finish out the cycleregisteredaupon the controlboard before anew cycle could` be. initiated. Obviously timeand materialwas wasted whileA such recycling. was effected.

Other advantages and features of. the present arrangement will becomerrapparent from the followingsmore specific disclosure of the equipment operation..

Specific operation Assuming the machine attendant desires to assemble a wooden container in which four separate' nailing operations are performed; each of whichcomprises the feeding and driving of'a ygiven numberA of nails in a preselected pattern,

the several patterns being the same as or different'from one another, the first three sequence switches, 2I, 220 and230, must be operated to the"on" position and the remaining sequence switches, 240 to 290,.must be operated to the off position. (See Figs. 2 and 3'.) If the number of operations in each cycle is two, only the first sequence switch 2 I0 is operated to the on position; for a three operation cycle, the rst two sequence switches 210 and 220 are operated to" the on position, etc. If" the number of operating per cycle is one, no sequence'switches will be operated.

Following adjustment of the sequence switches 210, 220, etc., in such manner to determine the number of operations in each'cycle, the individual nailswitches 324 associated'witheach one of the sequence switches are. operated' in accordance withV the particular nailing'` conguration desirably 'effected forV `the corresponding"operationl in the cycle. For example, assuming that thenail configuration as driven'home in the first operatio'n'is` to include'nails I; 3', II, I2',` I3; 22l and2`4', nail switches AI, A3, AI I, A12, AIB, A22 and A24 associatedwith sequence switch 2 I 0 will be moved to 'their on or closed' position. Assuming 'nails I, 4, Band I2'are tobe'driven' home in the'second operation, nail switches BI, B4, B8 vandBI2 associated' with` the secondsequence switch22ll`v are operated` totheir' on or closed position. Assumingnails 3; I2 `andl are to be drivenhome in' the third pattern, the Anail switches C3; -C I2, and C15 associated' with the third'l sequence switch 23U"are' operated" to the on. position. Assuming nails 6, 'I and S are to be drivenhome in the' fourtlf'pattern, the nail switches D6', D1, and D8 associatedl with the fourth sequence switch" 2M) are'moved to the operated position;

At this'time, power switches 348m, b ands c, sequence switches v2I 0, 22e, 23Iv and nail lswitches AI, A3, AII, AI2, AIS,A A22 A24, Bi, B4; B8, BI2', C3; CI2," CISL D6, D'Iand D8 are operated.

Assuming that the'nailing equipment has been utilized previously for' other nailing operations; itwill be apparent tha-ta given nailing'configuration will beset up' in the chucks and it'isfneces'- sary vto remove the nails therefromv priorI to'\initiation of the first cycle now set up on the controlboard. The operator is informed of the-improper chuckI loading as the equipmentv is turned-`1 onby the illuminated condition ofl oneof f the" pilot lamps. The particularlamp illuminated isdetermined by the number of operations inf'thefcycle newly set up-on thecontrol boardf Since in the present example tl'ie-boardiisset upto provide four operationsineachcycld the fourth pilot lamp 354 will b'e-invtheenergized condition, the energizing-path extending from ductor 335.; lamp 354, contacts 243, 232, 222', 212, HIS;l 93, 83';l and conductor 336' to the otherside ofthe llamp supplyr source 3I9. It is, ofcourse, apparent thatladiiferentipilot lamp will be.- illuminated if'the number of operations in the cycle set up onthe controlboard is other than four. Thus, if therezwere to be five cycles in the opera'- tionr sequence switches 2I0-240 would'be in the onf position and: accordingly the fifth pilot lamp 355 Would'beenergized as the equipment is turneduon, etc.

As theoperator is thus notified that the nails in the chucks are other than that desired for the first nailing operation, the attendant operates the'treadl'e switch without inserting his material into positionzon the bed and the head descends toifiush the nailsv from the chucks and to prepare the machine automatically for the first nailing operation of ithe cycle set up on the control board. That is, as. theattendant operates the` treadle. Il operating treadleswtch 3 I 3 to effect the removal ofthe unwanted-nails from the chucks, treadle switch contacts 3I4J are closed to complete an energizing circuitfromv the alternating current supplysource 318' to the driving head control solenoid 3I'I vin parallel with the solenoid Vcontrol switch 32B, the energizing circuit extending from oneA side ofthe supply source 3I8 over contacts 348c.3I23I4 drivinglhead control solenoid 3H andsolenoid control switch 326 in: parallel to the otherside of the supplysource 3 I 8. It should be notedi. that with the driving head in the-up position, limit switch contacts'3II are open and its contacts SI2 are closed.

Solenoid control switch 32E operates. and at its contacts-3H .connectsone side of supply source 309 to the nail selecting solenoids I9 toprepare same for operation in the selection of thelproper nails for the first operation of the cycle. The bottom'limit switch contacts 3i6 arel closed when the driving head I3 is in the normalor up posi-'- tion. Solenoidcontrol switch32 in operating is therefore. also effective at its contacts 3227to bridge the treadle switchcontacts 3I4 to provide a self `holding-circuit independent of contacts 314, the holding circuit extending from one side of supply source. 3I8 over Contacts'322 and thek closed contacts 3I6 ofthe bottom limit switch 3 I 5 to the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control 3 I '1in parallel and the other side of supply source.- 3 I 8.

Driving head control solenoid 3I'I thus energized operates the hydraulic system to move the driving headin a downward stroke, whereupon top limit switch 3HE isoperated to open'its'contacts 312 to interruptthe original energizing. cir'- cuitcompleted by the treadle switch 3I4, andits contacts 3| I'are closed Ito complete an operating circuitfor the counting chain control relayl 305-, the= energizing circuit` therefor extending from one side of thef'supply source-3H! over contacts 348c, contacts 3l I, and the winding of relay305 to the other side of supply source 3I8. The driving headcontrol solenoid SI1 and solenoidl control-switchr 32E]V are held operated at thisl time independent of the position'of the treadle switch 3 I 4 over the previously-described holdingy circuit; In this manner an operation once started is always completed independent of the time the operator'maintains the treadle switch 313 operated.

I'hev countingfchain control relay 305 operates andat itscontacts completes an operating circuit'A forthe) first countingdchainrelay- IIU- in the control chain,l the circuit extending fromthe 306, conductor 331, contacts 85, 95, |05 and the winding of relay to negative battery. It is 'noted that the negative battery symbol positioned adjacent the one conductor for each relay of the control network shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a symbolic representation of its actual connection to the negative conductor of the 50 volt D. C. supply source 301.

Counting chain relay ||0 operates and at its contacts I completes an operating circuit for nail switch control relay 30 associated with the nail switches AI to A24 which determine the nails to be delivered to the chucks for the rst operation; at its contacts |I2 prepares a circuit for the rst pilot lamp 35|; at its contacts 3 prepares a circuit for the second counting chain relay |20 and at its contacts I4 and I|5 completes a series energizing circuit for itself and sequence relay |00 which is presently rendered ineffective by the shunt condition provided by the `original energizing circuit for counting chain relay 0. That is, although the operating circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay |I0, contacts |I4, the winding of relay |00, contacts 91, 5, 2|0 to positive battery is completed, the ground extending over the original energizing circuit for relay 0 (ground, 306, C331, 85, 95, as extended to relay ||0 is also extended to |00 by contacts H4. With ground thus connected to both sides of relay I0, the relay Vis maintained inoperative (in the restored condition) until such time as the ground extending over the original energizing circuit is subsequently removed. As will appear hereinafter, this does not occur until the driving head approaches the end of its upward stroke.

Nail switch control relay 30 operates over a l circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay 30, contacts |0|, 9| and 8|, C328 and the positive side of supply source 301, and at its contacts 3IA to 3IX closes a circuit for the solenoids SI-S24 associated with the operated onesof the nail switches AI to A24. In the given example, nail switches AI, A3, All, AI2, AIS, A22 and A24 on the control board were operated tothe on position and accordingly solenoids SI, S3, S| I, StZ, SI3, S22 and S212- are now operated to move a nail into each of their associated nail tubes for use in the rst nailing operation.

During the downward movement of the driving head therefore, solenoid 3|1 and relay 320 have been operated to complete a circuit which insures operation of the driving head to drive home the nails in the chuck and the return thereof of its normal position; the top limit switch contacts 3I2 have been opened to interrupt the treadlecontrolled starting circuit; and contacts 3| I have been closed to energize the counting chain control relay 305. Relay 305 operates and completes the energizing circuit to the rst counting chain relay I l0 which operates and completes an operating circuit for the nail switch relay 30. Relay` 30 operates to complete energizing circuits to the solenoids SI, S3, Sl SI2, SiS, S22 and S24 associated with the operated switches AI, A3, All, AI2, AIB, A22 and A20 of the first group,

As the driving head approaches the farthest point of its downward stroke, the nails in the chucks are discharged and a bottom limit switch 3|5 is operated by the descending head. The 'driving head drives the unwanted nails from the chucks and as the head approaches the lower limit of its movement, bottom limit switch 3|5 is operated thereby to effect at its contacts 3|6 the interruption of the holding circuit for the driving head control 3|1 and the solenoid control relay 320 which responsively restore. Solenoid control switch 320 at its contacts 32| interrupts the energizing circuit for the operated ones of the nail switches AI--A24 to restore same (solenoids Si, S3, SII, SI2, S|3, S22 and S24 in the present example). The driving head control solenoid 3|1 restores and controls the hydraulic system l2 to move the driving head upward toward its normal rest position. As the driving head returns toward its normal position, the nails which were placed in the appropriate nail tubes by solenoids SI to S24 associated with the first operation now fall into the proper chucks in a manner well known in the art.

At this time the groups of nails which were in the chucks as the result of the previous operations of the machine hare been discharged therefrom, and the driving head in its ascent to its normal position has caused the rst pattern of nails as picked by solenoids Sl, S3, SI I, SI2, S|3, S22 and S24 to be placed in the chucks.

As the driving head approaches the uppermost point of its movement, the top limit switch is operated to close contacts 3|2 whereby the equipment is prepared for the second nailing operation, and to open contacts 3|I to interrupt the energizing circuit for counting chain control relay 305 which restores and at its contacts 303 interrupts the aforedescribed shunting circuit for relays |00 whereby sequence relay |00 now energizes in series with the irst counting chain relay H0 over the previously prepared energizing circuit. Such circuit extends from negative battery over the winding of relay H0, contacts |I4, the winding of relay |00, contacts 91, ||5, 2||, and conductor 341 to the positive side of supply source 301.

Sequence relay |00 operates and at its contacts I0! interrupts the holding circuit for the first nail switch control relay 30, which restores and at its contacts |03 interrupts the energizing circuit for the fourth pilot lamp 354 and at its contacts |04 completes an energizing circuit for the rst pilot lamp 35|, the circuit extending from one side of the lamp supply source 3|9 over conductor 335, pilot lamp 35|, contacts ||2, |04, 93, 03 and conductor 336 to the other side of the lamp supply source 3|9.

Illumination of the first pilot lamp 35| informs the attendant that the machine is now ready to drive nails in the successive patterns of the cycle set up on the control board, and specifically is prepared to eiect the rst operation of the cycle.

At this time then, only sequence relay |00 and counting chain relay I I0 are operated, the operated condition of these relays as the next cycle of the equipment is initiated by the attendant indicating to the control circuit that the second pattern of nails registered on the board is to be selected and fed into the tubes as the driving head descends to drive home the rst pattern of nails which is in. the chucks.

The material to be nailed inthe rst operation is now placed in position, and the attendant operates the treadle I which operates the treadle switch 3|3 to initiate the first nailing operation. As the treadle switch 3 i3 is thus operated, treadle switch contacts Slt are closed to complete the energizing circuit for solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control 3I1 in parallel as heretofore described.

As the driving head control solenoid 3|1 initiates the downward descent of the driving head, the solenoid control switch 320 at its contacts322 simultaneously locks the equipment to insure the completion of the operation now initiated and at its contacts 32| prepares the energizing circuit for nail selecting solenoids l associated with the second nail selecting operation.

As the driving head descends the top limit switch 3|0 is operated and at its contacts 3I| completes an operating circuit for the counting chain control relay 305 and at its contacts 3|2 interrupts the original energizing circuit for solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control 3 I 1 which is now held operated over the hold ing circuit controlled by the bottom limit switch 3I5.

Counting chain control relay 305 operates and at its contacts 306 completes an operating circuit for the second counting chain relay |20, the circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay |20, contacts IIS, |06, 95, 35, conductor 331, and contacts 330 to the positive side of supply source 301.

The second counting chain relay operates and at its contacts |2| completes an operating circuit for the second nail switch control relay 35, at its contacts |22 prepares an energizing circuit for the second pilot lamp 352, at its contacts |23 prepares a circuit for the third counting chain relay |30, and at its contacts |24 and |25 prepares a series operating circuit for sequence relay 30, the sequence relay 90 being held inoperative at this time by reason of the ground connected to both sides thereof, that is, over conductors 331 and 341.

The second nail switch control relay 3'5 operates over a circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay 35, contacts |2I, |02, 9|, and 8| to the positive side of supply source 301, and at its contacts 36A to 36X in clusive is operative to complete energizing circuits for the particular ones of the nail switches in the second group (BI-B24) which were moved to the closed position in the adjustment of the control board effected prior to the original energization of the equipment, i. e., BI, B4, B8 and BIZ. Solenoids SI, S4, S8 and SI2 which are associated with the preset nail switches BI, B4, B8 and B|2 are now energized to drop the nails to be used in the second operation into the f corresponding nail tubes. The energizing circuit for the solenoids thus energized extends from the negative side of the supply source 309 over contacts 343A and 32|, conductor 325 in parallel over the coils of the prepared solenoids SI, S4, SS and SI2, nail switches BI, B4, B8 and BIZ, contacts a, 33d, 33h, 30|, and conductor 328 to the positive side of supply source 303.

As the driving head approaches the downward limit of its movement, it drives the iirst selected pattern of nails held by the chucks into the material and effects operation of the bottom limit switch 3I5 to open contacts 3|0 and thereby interrupt the energizing circuits for the driving head control solenoid 3|1 and the solenoid control relay 320. The driving head control solenoid 3 I1 deenergizes to cause the hydraulic control to move the driving head upward and the solenoid control relay 320 restores to open its contacts 32| and thereby interrupt the energizing circuit for the operated solenoids in the second group to restore same. As the driving head commences its upward movement, the second pattern of nails which are in the tubes now fall into the proper chucks in the conventional'manner, and as the head approaches the top of its upward stroke, the top limit switch 3I0 is operated to reclose contacts 3 I2 in preparation for a succeeding nailing operation, and to open contacts 3|| to interrupt the operating circuit Vfor the counting chain control relay 305. Counting chain control relay 305 restores and: at its contacts 306 interrupts the original energizing circuit for the second counting chain krelay |20, whereupon the ground shunt imposed upon 'the series circuit for second sequence relay v and relay |20 is removed. Sequence relay 90 now operates in series with the chain relay |20, this operating circuit extending from negative battery over the Winding of relay |20, contacts |24, the winding of relay 90, contacts 81, |25, and 22|, and conductor 341 to the positive side of supply source 301.

The second sequence relay 90 in its operation is effective at its contacts 9| to interrupt the holding circuit for the second nail switch control relay 35 to restore same, at its contacts 33 is effective to interrupt the energizing circuitfor the first pilot lamp 35| to extinguish same, .and at its contacts 94 is effective to complete an. energizing circuit for the second pilot lamp.352 to indicate to the attendant that the chucks are loaded with nails as desired for the second nailing operation. The circuit for the second .lamp 352 extends from one side of the lamp supply source 3|9 over conductor 335, lamp 352, contacts |22, contacts 94, 8,3, and conductor 336 to the 'other side of the lamp supply source 3|9.

Sequence relay 90 is effective at its contacts 91 to interrupt the holding circuit for the rst sequence relay |00 and the rst counting chain relay I I0 to effect the restoration thereof. At

this point the rst nailing operation is cornpleted `and the second pilot lamp is illuminated to indicate that the nailing machine is prepared to effect the second nailing operation. At this time only counting chain relay |20 and sequence relay 90 are energized, the energized condition of these relays controlling the selection of the third pattern of nails as the attendant initiates the second cycle of the machine, and the driving head is moved downward in the cycle to drive home the second pattern of nails now in the chucks.

The material to be nailed in the second operation is now placed in position and the attendant operates the treadle switch to initiate the second nailing operation. As the treadle switch 3|3 is operated, its associated contacts 3I4 are closed to complete the energizing circuit to the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control member 3|1 in the manner heretofore described. The driving head control member 3I1 controls the hydraulic equipment to initiate downward movement of the driving head and the solenoid control switch 320 operates to prepare the energizing circuit for the third group of nail selecting solenoids to complete a holding circuit for the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control member 3I1 which extends over the bottom limit switch contacts 3I6 independent of the treadle switch contacts 3|4, whereby completion of the initiated nailing operation is insured.

With the downward movement of the driving head, the top limit switch 3 I ll is operated to open contacts 3|2 to thus interrupt the original energizing circuit for the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control solenoid 3 I1, these 13 members being maintained energized over the holding circuit established over the bottom limit switch contacts 3|6. Simultaneously, the top limit switch contacts 3|| are closed to complete an operating circuit for the counting chain control relay 305.

Counting chain control relay 305 operates and at its contacts 306 completes an energizing circuit for the third counting chain relay |30, the energizing circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay |30, contacts |23, 96, 85, conductor 331 and contacts 306 to the positive side of supply source 301.

The third counting chain relay |30 operates and at its contacts I3| completes an operating circuit for the third nail switch control relay 40,

the circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay 40, contacts |3I, 92, and 8| to the positive side of supply source 301; and at its contacts |32 prepares an energizing circuit for the third pilot lamp 353, at its contacts |33 prepares an energizing circuit for the fourth counting chain relay |40, and at its contacts |34 and |35 prepares a series operating circuit for itself and the third sequence relay which series circuit is presently shunted by the original energizing circuit for the third counting chain relay |30.

The third nail switch control relay 40 operates and at its contacts 4|A to 4IX inclusive completes an energizing circuit for those solenoids associated with the nail switches of the third group which are in the closed position as a result of the initial adjustment of the control panel prior to the energization of the equipment (C3, CI2 and C|5 in the present example). The solenoids S3, SI2 and SI5 now operate over a circuit extending from the negative side of supply source 309, contacts 3400i and 32| conductor 325, the solenoid coils, the closed nail switches of the third group, the corresponding contacts of the nail switch control relay 40, conductor 320 and the positive side of supply source 309. The energized ones of the solenoids (S3, SI2 and SI) operate to drop a nail into their associated tubes in preparation for use in the third nailing operation. l

As the driving head approaches thelower limit of its downward movement, it drives the second pattern of nails which is now disposed in the chucks into the positioned material and operates the bottom limit switch 3 I5 to open its contacts 3I6 and thereby effect the release of solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control solenoid 3|1. As the solenoid control switch 320 restores, it is effective at its contacts 32| to interrupt the` energizing circuit for the operated ones of the solenoids S3, 1S|2 and SI5 associated with the third operation and as driving head control solenoid 3|1 restores it controls the hydraulic system to move the driving head in its upward stroke.

As the driving head moves toward its upward position, the third selected pattern of nails in the tubes now drop into the proper chucks and the top limit switch 3|0 is operated to close contacts SI2 to prepare the treadle switch for use in initiation of the next nailing operation and to open contacts 3II to interrupt the energizing circuit for the counting chain control relay 305 which responsively restores to open its contacts 306 and thereby interrupt the original energizing circuit for the third counting chain relay |30. The shunt for the series operating circuit for the third counting chain relay |30 and the sequence relay is thus interrupted, and sequence relay 80 now operates in series with the third counting chain relay |30 over a circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay |30, contacts |34, the winding of relay 80, contacts |01, |35, 23|, and conductor 341 to the positive side of supply source 301.

The third sequence relay 80 in operating is effective at its contacts 8| to interrupt the holding circuit for the third nail switch control relay 40 to effect the restoration thereof, at its contacts 83 is effective to interrupt the energizing circuit for the second pilot lamp 352 to extinguish same, and at its contacts 84 is effective to complete an operating circuit for the third pilot lamp 353 to indicate to the attendant that the chucks are loaded for the third operation, the circuit extending from the lamp supply source 3| 9 over conductor 335, lamp 353, contacts |32 and 84, and conductor 336 to the other side of the lamp supply circuit 3|0. Sequence relay 80 at its contacts 81 interrupts the holding circuit for the second counting chain relay |20 and the sequence relay to effect the restoration thereof. At this time only counting chain relay |30 and sequence relay 80 are operated, the operated condition of these relays controlling the equipment to select the fourth pattern of nails with the next downward movement of the head to drive home the third pattern oi nails now in the chucks.

The illumination of the third pilot lamp 353 at this time indicates to the attendant that the machine is now ready to drive the nails in the pattern preset on the control board for thev third operation. The material to be nailed in the third operation is now placed in position and the attendant operates the treadle switch to initiate such operation.

As the treaclle and its associated switch 3I3 are operated, contacts 3| 4 are closed to complete an energizing circuit to solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control solenoid 3|1. Solenoid control switch 320 at its contacts 32| prepares the energizing circuit for the effective nail selecting solenoids in the fourth group and at its contacts 322 prepares the holding circuit for the driving head control solenoid 3|1 and itself independent of the treadle switch contacts 3|4.

The driving head control solenoid 3|1 controls the hydraulic system to initiatedownward Inove- Inent of the driving head, and as the driving head initiates such movement, the top limit switch 3|0 is operated to open contacts 3| 2 to thereby interrupt the original energizing circuit for the driving head control solenoid 3|1 and solenoid control switch 320, which are maintained energized over the described holding circuit, and at its contacts 3|I completes anoperating circuit for the counting chain control relay 305.

Counting chain control relay 305 operates and at its contacts 306 completes an energizing circuit for the fourth counting chain relay |40, the energizing circuit extending from negative battery over the winding of relay I40contacts |33, 86, conductor 331 and contacts 306 to the positive side of the supply source 301. Counting chain relay |00 operates and at its contacts |4I completes an energizing circuit for the nail switch control relay 45 associated with the fourth nailing operation; at its contacts |42 prepares the fourth pilot lamp for operation; at its contacts |43 prepares the fifth counting chain relay |50 for operation; and at its contacts |44 and |45` prepares a series operating ycircuit for itself andsequence relay |00.

-Nail switch control relay 45 operates over contacts |4I and-82 and at its contacts 43a to 46x: inclusive completes energizing circuits for the solenoids associated with the closed ones of the nail switches D`|D24 in the fourth group (D3, D1, D8, in the present example). The solenoids of the fourth group S6, S'l and S8 are thus energized over a circuit extending from the negative side of supply source 309 over contacts 348e and 32|, conductor 325, the coils of the effective solenoids S6, S1 and S8, the closed ones of the nail switches Dl-D24 in the fourth group (D6, D? and D8), contacts 46a-46x and conductor 328 to the positive side of the supply source 309. Each of the energized solenoids S6, Sl and SB operates to drop'a nail into its associated nail tube in preparation for the fourth nailing operation.

As the driving head approaches the bottom limit of its movement, the nails in the chucks for the third nailing operation are driven into the material and the bottom limit switch 3|5 is operated to open its contacts 3|0, thereby interrupting the holding circuit for solenoid control switch 320 and driving head control solenoid 3||. Solenoid control switch 320 releases and at its contacts 32| interrupts the energizing circuit for the operated nail selecting solenoids of the fourth group to effect the release thereof.

With interruption of the energizing circuit for the driving head control solenoid 3H, the release of solenoid 3|! controls the hydraulic system to urge the head on its upward movement and the nails deposited in the tubes by the fourth solenoid group are allowed to fall into the proper chucks.

With the approach of the driving head near its upward position, the top limit switch 3|0 is operated to close contacts 3 2 whereby the treadle switch is prepared to initiate a succeeding nailing operation, and the contacts 3|| thereof are opened to interrupt the energizing circuit for the counting chain control relay 305 to restore same. Counting chain control relay 365 restores and at its contacts 306 interrupts the ground shunt for the first sequence relay |00.

As the shunt is removed, the first sequence relay |00 operates in series with the fourth counting chain relay |40 over a circuit extending from battery over the winding of the relay |40, conu tacts |44, the first sequence relay |00, contacts 91, |35, 23| andconductor 34'! to the positive side of the supply source 301. It is noted that the fourth counting chain relay is operated over contacts |35 of the third counting chain relay and that the fourth sequence switch is in the off position. Accordingly the equipment cycle is now approaching an end.

Sequence relay |00 operates and at its contacts |01 interrupts the holding circuit for the third sequence relay 80 and the third counting chain relay |30 to effect the restoration thereof, and at its contacts |04 completes an operating circuit for the fourth pilot lamp 354 over a circuit extending from the lamp supply source 3|!) over conductor 335, lamp 354, contacts |42, |04, 93, 83 and conductor 336 to the other side of the lamp supply source 3|9. Sequence relay S0 restores and at its contacts 32 interrupts the energizing circuit for the fourth nail switch control relay 45 to release same and at its contacts 84 Vinterrupts the lenergizing circuit for the third 16 pilot lamp'353 to effect the extinguishmentthereof.

As the third counting chain relay |30 now. restores, it is effective at its contacts |35 tocinterrupt the holding circuit for the fourthr counting chain relay |40 and the rst sequence relay |00. It will be remembered that in setting lthe sequence switches to determine the-number of operations in the cycle, switch 240 was not `operated and accordingly contacts 24| are inthe open condition. As a result the fourth counting chain |40 and sequence relay |00 will restore as the chain advances to this point.

The fourth pilot lamp is maintained operated following release of the fourth counting -chain relay |40 and sequence relay |00 over a circuit extending from one side of the lamp supply 3|9 over conductor 335, lamp 354, contacts 4243:of sequence switch 240, contacts 232, 222,.'2|2,'|03, 03, 83 and conductor 336 to the other side of the lamp supply source 3|9.

The illuminated pilot lamp 354 indicatesto the attendant that the machine ispreparedito drive the nails in the fourthnailingpattern 'as preset on the control board. The material to be nailed is placed in position for the last "nailing operation and the attendant operates the treadle and associated switch 3|3 to initiate the fourth nailing operation. Treadle :switch contacts 3|4 are responsively closed and a-n 'operating circuit is completedas before-for the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control solenoid 3|1. The solenoid control switch 320 operates and at its contacts '32| prepares an energizing circuit for the'nail selecting solenoids SI--S24 associated with the first nail kselecting operation of the sequence, andat its `contacts 322 completes a holding circuit for the solenoid control switch 320 and the 4driving head control solenoid 3|| independent of the treadle switch contacts 3|4.

Driving head control solenoid 3| 1 energizes and causes the hydraulic system `to initiate 'downward movement of the driver head whereby the top limit switch 3|0 is operated and the initial operating circuit for the solenoid controlswitch 320 and the driving head control swtch1-3|l is opened at contacts 3|2, the members .3H vand 320 being held operated overl the described holding circuit. Top limit switch 3|0 at its contacts 3| completes an energizing circuit for the counting chain control relay 305 which operates and at its contacts 306 completes an energizing circuit for the first counting chain `relay ||0-, such circuit extending from negative battery over lthe winding of relay ||0, contactsvl5, 85, B5, conductor 331 and contacts 306 to the positive side of supply source 301.

Counting chain relay ||0 operates and -at its contacts completes -an energizing circuit for the first nail switch control relay 30 which operates, and at its contacts 3 |a-3 lx inclusive completes an energizing circuit for the solenoids associated with the nail switches which were originally adjusted to determine the pattern for the first nailing operation. The energized ones of the nail selecting solenoids operate as in the previous first operation of the machine cycle toselect the nails which are to be driven in the first operation of the following cycle and toV feed the selected nails into the nail tubes.

Relay |0 in its operation is also effective at its contacts ||2 to complete an energizing circuit for the first pilot lamp 35|,V as before described; at its contacts |3 prepares :a circuit for the secy 17 ond counting chain |20; and at its contacts ||4 and I |5 completes a series operating circuit with the first sequence relay |00, which is presently shunted by the original energizing circuit for relay ||0.

As the driving head approaches its bottom limit, the nails in the chucks for the fourth nailing operation are driven into the material according to the pattern of the fourth operation and the bottom limit switch 3|5 is operated to effect at its contacts 3I6 the release of the solenoid control switch 320 and the driving head control 3H. Solenoid control switch 320 restores to effect release of the solenoids energized to pick the nails for the first pattern and the driver head control solenoid 3|1 restores to cause the hydraulic control system to move the driver head upward to its normal position. As the driving head ascends, the top limit switch 3|0 interrupts the energizing circuit for the counting chain control relay 305 which restores and at its contacts 306 interrupts the shunt presently imposed on first counting chain relay and sequence relay |00 to permit the operation thereof in series' as before described.

As sequence relay |00 operates, it is effective at its contacts to interrupt the energizing circuit for the fourth pilot lamp 354, and at its contacts |04 is effective to complete an energizing circuit for the first pilot lamp 35|"whereby the attendant is informed that the equipment is ready to accomplish a second cycle of nailing operations. l

It is seen from the foregoing that the nailing machine may be adjusted to provide a cycle comprised of a number of operations which are adjustable, the pattern of nails provided in each operation being also adjustable in an extremely simple manner. The work of the attendant is confined to the positioning of the material relative to the driving head and the momentary operation of the treadle switch to initiate each operation of the cycle.

The driving head automatically descends to drive home the particular nails which are in the chucks during which period the pattern of nails for the next operation is loaded into the tubes. As the driving head ascends to its normal position the newly selected pattern of nails is loaded into the chucks.

The machine eiects the selection of each successive pattern of nails and the feeding thereof from the tubes into the chucks as described until the complete cycle set upon the machine has been completed, the equipment thereafter automatically recycling to provide another set of operations in the manner described.

Reset A particular feature of the present invention is the manner in which the machine equipment may be homed to zero from any point in the cycle. In machines known heretofore, as a bent or crooked nail enters the equipment to interfere with one of the nailing operations, it was necessary to first iinish out the cycle which had been initiated. Such operation entails a large amount of time, and additionally requires the flushing out of the nail patterns for each remaining operation in the cycle without accomplishing a nailing operation. According to the'present invention, the equipment may be horned to zero by operating the power energizing switches 348e, 3481) and 340e to the"oii position, whereby each vmember of the all-relay control circuit will be 18 restored and is prepared for a new cycle of op'- erations. As treadle is now operated by the attendant, the head is operated to pick up the rst nail pattern registered on the board in the manner heretofore described and the equipment is ready for a new cycle.

It is noted that by arranging the second set of contacts on the sequence switches Z50-Qt inclusive to control the operating circuits for the in-A dicating lamps 35| 360, an indication of the particular nails present in the nailing chucks at any time is provided without resorting to the addition of further relay members and other complicated control circuits. Specifcally, the second contact set of each sequence switch Elfi-200 is operable with movement of the switch to the on position to extend a series energizing circuit through the like contact on each of the sequence switches which is operated to the on position.

.Howeven the like Contact on the first sequence switch which is operated to the off position eX- tends this energizing circuit to the indicating lamp associated with the counting chain relaycontrolled thereby.

Thus, as the chain advances to the counting chain relay associated with the sequence switch which is operated to the off position, and the counting chain relay restoresrby reason of the open condition of the first set of contacts on the sequence switch, an energizing circuit is maintained for the proper indicating lamp by the sequence switches, whereby a proper indication of 'the nails in the chucks is maintained regardless of the fact that the counting chain is restored for a new cycle.

Conclusion The novel control system set forth herein for use with automatic nailing machines is extremely desirable advancement in the nailing machineart.

The simplex type control system which automatically follows the dictates of the registrations on an associated control board provides an arrangement which permits the use of the machine in the fabrication of many different types of boxes involving countless types of patterns and cycles without involving any degree of time in changeover of the equipment.

The accurate indications provided by the indieating means on the control board teach the machine attendant at all times the actual pattern of nails which are present in the nailing chucks.

The utilization of novel sequence switches in determining the number of operations to be effected in each cycle, the point of recyclingand the control of the energizing circuit for the last of a cycle is especially novel in that accurate indications are provided at all times without requiring the addition of further relay members and complex circuit arrangements.

The use of an all-relay counting chain insures provision of dependable and reliable operation in an extremely rapid manner and permits use of the nailing machine at its maximum rate of speed.

Other features including the provision of a solenoid control member which includes heavy duty contacts 'for effecting interruption of the 19 solenoid circuits to prevent damage to the relay equipment of the control system, and the pro- Vision of a single nail switch control relay for each set of register switches whereby as many as twenty-four solenoids may be rendered enective at one time, are further advancements which inherently provide a more dependable and reliable type nailing machine control system.

These and other features of the invention which are believed to be new are set forth in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:

l. An automatic control system for feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each or" a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number o1 articles ied in each operation being predeterminable and variable, a plurality of article selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select an article from a group for delivery to the associated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern to be selected for each Voperation and a connecting chain arrangement f or sequentially examining the patterns as registered on said switches and controlling said article selecting members to operate in accordance with the pattern registered thereon.

2. An automatic control system for feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number or" articles fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, a plurality of article selecting members, each of which is operable with -energization to select an article from a group for delivery to the asociated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern to be selected for each operation, seqeunce switch means for determining the number of sets of switches to be rendered effective in a cycle, and the recycling of the equipment and a connecting chain arrangement for sequentially examining the patterns as registered on said switches and controlling said article selecting members to operate in accordance with the pattern registered thereon.

3. An automatic control system for feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of articles fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, a plurality of article selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select an article from a group for delivery to the associated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the various patterns to be fed by said article selecting members in each operation, sequence switch means for determining the particular sets of switches to be rendered effective in a cycle and for effecting the recycling oi the equipment at the point indicated by the switch settings and reset means for interrupting said equipment operation prior to completion of an initiated cycle and preparing same to eiect the rst operation of the next cycle.

4. An automatic control system for feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each of a plurality of predetemiined operations.,

the pattern and number of articles fed in eachA operation being predeterminable and Variable, a plurality of article selecting members, .each of which is operable with energization to select an article from a group for delivery .to .the associated equipment, delivery means for feeding the articles to the associated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets of lswitches for registering the pattern to be selected for each operation, and a counting chain arrangement for examining the patterns registered on said switch sets and controlling said article selecting members to select a succeeding pattern of articles for a succeeding operation in a registered cycle prior to completion of the prior operation of the cycle.

5. An automatic ycontrol system for feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of articles fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, a plurality of article selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select an article from a group for delivery to the associated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement for examining the pattern registered on said switch sets and controlling said article selecting members to sequentially select each of the article patterns represented thereby, and indicating means for indicating to the attendant the particular pattern which is selected at any given time in the cycle.

6. An automatic control system for feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of articles fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, a plurality of article selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select an article from a group for delivery to the associated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets `of register switches for registering the pattern to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement including a first group of switching elements for rendering the registered patterns effective in a given order and a second group of switching elements for advancing the counting chain in sequence, switching means associated with each counting chain switch for rendering the associated set of register switches effective with energization of its corresponding counting chain switch, and circuit control means for rendering the effective pattern selecting equipment ineffective with the succeeding operation of a counting chain advancing relay.

7. An automatic control system vfor feeding a plurality of articles to associated equipment in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of articles fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, a plurality of article selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select an article from a group for delivery to the associated equipment, control means including a plurality of sets of switches Vfor registering the pattern to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement for examining the patterns registered on said switch sets in a given sequence and controlling said article selecting members to select a pattern of articles in accordance with the registrations thereon, indicating means for indicating the particular pattern selected at any given time, and a plurality of sequence switch means including a first contact set on each switch for determining the number of operations in each cycle .of the equipment and the point of recyclement of the equipment, a second contact set for controlling a point in the energizing circuit for said indicating means and the `recycling thereof with the recycling .of .the counting chain means.

8. An automatic control system for .a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over a plurality of nail tubes to associated chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, and a counting chain arrangement for rendering the patterns registered on said switches effective in a given sequence and controlling said nail selecting members to sequentially select each pattern of nails registered on said nail sets.

9. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail tubes to adjustable chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, controlmeans including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to sequentially select each pattern of nails registered on said nail sets, and a plurality of sequence switches for determining the number of sets of register switches effective in each cycle and for controlling recycling of the equipment as each cycle is completed.

10. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail tubes to adjustable chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable and which includes a driving head operative in each single operation to drive the nails heldV in the chucks into the material and to thereafter effect reloading of the chucks from the tubes, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable With energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select each pattern of nails registered on the effective ones of said switch sets, and counting chain control means operative to control said counting chain to effect selection of a succeeding pattern of nails and the delivery thereof to said tubes during the period of driving of the previous pattern of nails disposed in the chucks.

11. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail tubes to adjustable chuck membersin each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable and which includes a driving head operative in each single operation to drive the nails held in the chucks into the material and to thereafter effect reloading of thev chucks from4 the tubes, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select each pattern of nails registered on the effective ones of said switch sets, counting chain control means operative to control said counting chain to effect selection of a succeeding pattern of nails and the delivery thereof to said tubes during the period of driving of the previous pattern of nails disposed in the chucks, and indicating means for indicating the particular pattern of nails disposed in the chucks at any time.

'12. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail tubes to adjustable chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable and which includes a driving head and actuating means for moving said head in a downward and upward stroke with each operation thereof, said head being operative in each downward stroke to drive the nails in the chucks into the material and being operative in the upward stroke to effect reloading of the chucks from the tubes, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to its associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, an all relay counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select each pattern of nails registered on the effective ones of said switch sets, counting chain sequence relays for controlling advancement of said counting chain with .each operation of said driving head, and indicating means controlled to indicate the particular pattern of nails in the chucks at any time including a pilot lamp for each set of switches and an energizing circuit for each pilot lamp controlled by a corresponding counting chain relay and its associated chain sequence relay.

13. A control system as set forth in claim l2 in which each counting chain relay includes contacts responsive to operation thereof to prepare the energizing circuit for its associated pilot lamp, and contacts controlled by its associated counting chain sequence relay with its operation for completing said prepared circuit and simultaneously interrupting the circuit completed for the lamp associated with the previous switch set in the sequence.

14. A control system as set forth in claim l2 in which each counting chain relay is associated with a corresponding set of switches and each counting chain relay includes means for rendering its corresponding switch set effective with operation thereof, and in which its associated counting chain sequence relay includes a break contact set connected in the operating circuit for said switch set to interrupt such circuit with the subsequent energization thereof.

l5. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail Vtubes toadjustable chuckmembersin each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, and which includes a driving head and actuating means for moving said head in a nail driving and a nail loading operation with each operation thereof, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a. group of nails for delivery to its associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, an all relay counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select each pattern of nails registered on the effective one of said switch sets, a counting chain control relay controlled to operate with each downward stroke of said head to complete an advancing circuit to said counting chain to thereby eiiect operation of the next relay in the chain and the selection and delivery of the next pattern to the tube members by the associated selecting member, indicating means for indicating to the attendant the nail pattern in said chucks at any time and counting chain sequence relays controlled by said counting chain control relay with each upward stroke of said head to control said indicating means to indicate the new nail pattern received by said chucks in the upward stroke of said head and to render the previous indicating means ineffective.

16. A control system as set forth in claim 15 in which each counting chain sequence relay includes a break contact set connected in the energizing circuit for the nail selecting members controlled by its associated counting chain relays.

1'7. An automatic control system for a, nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over a plurality of nail tubes to associated chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation and the number of operations in each cycle being predeterminable and variabley said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, the number of selecting members being determined by the maximum number of nails to be selected in any one operation, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, the number of switches in each set. corresponding to the number of nail selecting members on the machine, and a counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select each pattern of nails registered on said sets of switches in a predetermined order, the number of members in said counting chain corresponding to the maximum number of operations required in any one cycle ofthe equipment.

18. A control system as set forth in claiml 17 which includes a plurality of sequence switches for determining the number of operations to be conducted in a cycle, said sequence switches being one less in number than the maximum number of operations required in any one cycle, and a plurality of indicating lamps for indicating the particular pattern selected at any time, the number of indicating lamps corresponding to the number of sets of register switches.

19. A control system as set forth in claim 17 24 which includes a nail selection control relay for each set of register switches, such nail selection control relay being associated with a corresponding counting chain relay and controlled thereby to render eective the associated set of register switches.

20. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail tubes to adjustable chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting members, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, a counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select in a predetermined order each pattern of nails registered on the effective ones of said switch sets, a holding circuit for each counting chain relay for maintaining same operated in the advancement of the chain to a succeeding member, and a sequence switch member for each counting chain member except the last movable alternatively between two positions, each sequence switch member including contact means for controlling a point in the holding circuit for its associated counting chain member and a point in the holding circuit of the next succeeding counting Chain member, said contact means being operative with movement of said lswitch to one position to close said circuit and operative with movement of said switch to the other position to open said circuit, whereby with advancement of the chain to a member having its sequence switch operated to said other position the holding circuit for the corresponding chain member is interrupted and a recycle of the chain is initiated.

2l. A control system as set forth in claim 20 which includes indicating means for indicating the particular pattern of nails selected at any given time, means controlled by each counting chain relay for controlling operation of its associated indicating means with delivery of a selected pattern to the chucks and a second contact means for each sequence switch operable with movement of its switch to said one position to extend an operating circuit over the like contacts of each succeeding switch in said sequence which is operated to said one position, the said contacts being operable with its switch moved to said other position to extend said prepared circuit to the indicating means associated with its counting chain relay to hold same operative following release of the chain and pending the initiation of a recycle of the chain.

22. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over associated nail tubes to adjustable chuck members in each of a plurality' of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation being predeterminable and variable, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting solenoids, each of which is operable with energi- Zation to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected by said solenoids for each operation, a

counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting solenoids to select each pattern of nails registered on said sets of switches, and a control relay including heavy duty contacts for interrupting the energizing current for the solenoid members following each nail selecting operation thereby.

23. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over a plurality of nail tubes to associated chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number of nails fed in each operation and the number of operations in each cycle being predeterminable and variable, a driving head and actuating means for controlling same to effect driving of the nails in the chucks in its downward movement and loading of the new pattern of nails in the chucks in each upward movement, said control system including a plurality of nail selecting solenoids, each of which is operable with energization to select a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, a solenoid control relay operated with each operation of said actuating means to prepare energizing circuits for said solenoid members, control means including a plurality of sets of switches for registering the pattern of nails to be selected for each operation, a nail switch control relay for each set of switches for rendering its associated set effective with operation, a counting chain arrangement for rendering the nail switch control relays effective in a given sequence, a counting chain control relay responsive to each downward nail driving stroke of said head to complete a chain advancing circuit to said chain to effect operation of a succeeding chain member and its associated nail switch control solenoid whereby energization of the nail selecting solenoids and selection of a succeeding pattern and delivery thereof to the tubes is effected during driving of a preceding pattern, limit means for effecting restoration of said solenoid control relay as said head reaches the bottom limit of its stroke, thereby opening the circuit of the nail selecting solenoids indicating means for indicating the nail pattern in the chucks at any given time, and a second limit means operative with upward movement of the driving head to operate said counting chain via said counting chain control relay to operate said indicating means to thus indicate the new pattern disposed in said chucks as the driving head ascends.

24. An automatic control system including a series of control paths over which a corresponding number of associated members are operatively controlled, a set of counting chain relays, a set of sequence relays for said counting chain, an incoming circuit for extending operating impulses to said counting and sequence chain to advance same, each impulse effecting operation of a counting chain followed by the operation of a sequence relay, contact sets on said counting chain relay, each set being connected to complete an energizing circuit for a corresponding one of the control units on said control paths with the energization of its associated counting chain relay, and contact sets on each of said sequence relays connected to interrupt the energizing circuit completed by the effective one of the counting chain relays with the following operation of its associated sequence relay.

25. An arrangement as set forth in claim 12 in which said sequence relays include a set oi' make contacts and a set of break contacts and means for completing an operating circuit for one sequence relay with each upward stroke oaf said driving head, and in which the energizing circuit for each pilot lamp is completed with the operation of the associated sequence relay to close its make contacts.

2e. An automatic control system for a nailing machine in which a plurality of nails are selected and delivered over a plurality of nail tubes to associated chuck members in each of a plurality of predetermined operations, the pattern and number or" nails selected in each operation and the number of operations in each cycle being predetermined and variable, and in which a driving head is operated to drive home each pattern of nails thus selected; a plurality of nail selecting `members for selecting a nail from a group of nails for delivery to an associated tube member, control means including a plurality of sets of register switches for registering the pattern and nails to be selected for each operation, a plurality of sequence switches for determining the number of operations to be provided in each cycle of the equipment, a counting chain arrangement for controlling said nail selecting members to select each pattern of nails registered on said sets of switches in a cyclic manner, counting chain sequence relays, means for controlling advancement of said counting chain and said sequence relays with each operation of said driving head, and indicating means operative to indicate the particular pattern of nails in the chucks at any time, including a pilot lamp for each set of register switches, an energizing circuit for each pilot lamp, make and break contact sets on each of said sequence relays, a make and break contact set for each of said sequence switches, and means for extending the energizing circuit for the pilot lamp at times over the break contact of the sequence switch associated with the eiiective counting chain relay, the make contacts of the preceding sequence switches in the group, and the break contacts of the sequence relays, and at other times for extending said pilot lamp energizing circuit over the make contacts of one of said sequence relays, the break contacts of the remaining sequence relays and a contact on the effective one of the counting chain relays.

No references cited. 

